Antoine Forrest has been named among the pilots who lost their lives in the tragic Air Canada crash at LaGuardia Airport on Sunday, according to a report from the Toronto Star.
Alongside Forrest, the other pilot was also killed, marking a devastating event in Queens that resulted in injuries to several passengers, additional crew members, and two Port Authority police officers, as officials revealed.
FAA Administrator Brian Bedford remarked at a press conference that it was an “absolute tragedy,” noting the pilots were both young and at the beginning of their careers.
Meanwhile, Port Authority police were maneuvering a fire truck across the runway. They had received clearance from air traffic controllers to attend to a separate plane that had reported an unusual odor.
Coincidentally, an Air Canada plane had also been granted permission to land from the same air traffic controller, which set it on a path to collide with the fire truck.
Of the 70 passengers and crew on board the Air Canada flight, around 40 were taken to the hospital, most with minor injuries. By Monday morning, most victims were discharged.
The Airline Pilots Association paid tribute to the pilots, highlighting their commitment to ensuring passenger safety.
Union president Jason Ambrosi expressed the profound sadness shared by their community, referring to the loss as a deep tragedy.
The pilots were employed by Jazz Aviation LP, which provided services under the Air Canada Express brand.
Doug Clark, president of Jazz Aviation, stated, “Today is an incredibly difficult day for the airline, its employees, and, most importantly, the families and loved ones affected by the Flight 8646 disaster.” He offered heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the pilots and assured support for those injured.
